District of South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA --- United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs announced today the winners of the United States Attorney's Office's 20th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Logo Contest.

The theme was "Preventing Gun Violence in Our Schools," and the contest was open to all SC grade school students. Judges sought logos that demonstrated a successful collaboration between schools, communities, and law enforcement to reflect (1) warning signs that students should be looking for related to gun violence; (2) resources to help students who have concerns about gun violence; and (3) general messages to prevent gun violence in South Carolina schools. The overall winning logo will be displayed on our website and used in various presentations.

"Every year, we look forward to the entries submitted by SC students and gathering their input on how to curb gun violence in our schools. These students are important voices that we all need to listen to in addressing this national issue," said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. "We hope that the winning artwork will capture the attention of other students and inspire them to use their voices in combatting gun violence."

The winner from each grade division and the overall winner, along with their schools, are named below. Media should contact the respective schools to determine details of any award presentations to be held:

K–2ND GRADE DIVISION

Winner - Harlem Foster, 2nd grade

Fairfield Magnet School for Math & Science, Winnsboro, SC

Honorable Mention - Rocco Fuhr, 2nd grade

Memminger Elementary, Charleston, SC

3RD–5TH GRADE DIVISION/OVERALL WINNER

Winner/Overall Winner - Andrea Gaston, 5th grade

Wallace Elementary Middle School, Wallace, SC

Honorable Mention - Kaylee Summers, 5th grade

Fairfield Magnet School for Math & Science, Winnsboro, SC

6TH–8TH GRADE DIVISION

Winner - Ky’Mari Johnson, 8th grade

William J. Clark Middle School, Orangeburg, SC

Honorable Mention - Abryelle Bignal, 6th grade

Fairfield Magnet School for Math & Science, Winnsboro, SC

9TH–12TH GRADE DIVISION

Winner - Samantha Morales, 9th grade

C. A. Johnson High School, Columbia, SC

Honorable Mention - Paige Shea, 11th grade

Battery-Creek High School, Beaufort, SC

The winning entries were chosen by "The Insiders," a select group of young leaders at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice who act as role models for the other youth. The South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is providing $50.00 awards to each division winner, as well as an additional $50 to the overall winner. Additionally, all students who participated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their submissions.

The annual logo contest is a long-running part of the district's PSN program and an important prevention initiative to engage our students in meaningful conversation about preventing gun crimes amongst our young people and ensuring a safe learning atmosphere for our children. PSN focuses on reducing violent crime in our communities through prevention, enforcement, and re-entry initiatives.

View this year's winning submissions and learn more about the contest at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/programs/ceasefire/project-sentry/contest-winners.

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Brook Andrews, First Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, [email protected], 803-929-3000